JuJu Smith-Schuster was the most popular name among fans
Patriots fans know their team’s strengths and weaknesses entering training camp.
They saw many of those weaknesses during an abysmal four-win season in 2023, and have taken note of New England’s offseason signings and additions through the draft.
It’s prompted countless fans — more than 100 commented on NESN’s Facebook and Instagram channels — to make predictions on which players could serves as “surprise” cuts after training camp.
Arguably the most popular candidate was Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who enters training camp after an underwhelming debut campaign in New England. Given the Patriots have a dozen receivers battling for some six or seven spots, Smith-Schuster’s roster spot is up in the air.
“Juju bye bye,” haydeneaton38 commented on NESN’s Instagram.
Tyquan Thornton, a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2022, also was a popular choice among fans. Thornton, similar to Smith-Schuster, figures to be behind Demario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne and K.J. Osborn on the list receivers the Patriots will keep.
Other “surprise” cut candidates included 2021 first-round pick Cole Strange and kicker Chad Ryland, who returns for his sophomore campaign after a disappointing rookie season.
Thomas Michael commented on Facebook: “Cole Strange. Can’t get on the field, this regime didn’t draft him and they drafted Layden Robinson in the 4th, who I think can be a Shaq Mason clone.”
Jerod Bulin wrote on Facebook: “I wouldn’t mind them cutting Chad Ryland.”
The Patriots begin training camp on the practice fields at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.